First Minister John Swinney has announced that an SNP government would open community-based centres offering health checks for lung and heart conditions, modelled on a Japanese initiative, if elected in May. The centres, to be located in settings such as football stadiums, shopping centres and workplaces, would screen Scots for cancer, COPD and heart disease, aiming to reduce pressure on the NHS.
Speaking at a pharmacy in Calderbank, North Lanarkshire, Mr Swinney said the government would work with local communities to determine the number of one-stop shops. He emphasised early intervention, stating: 'I want to see a network in place in accessible locations to make sure that people get the early intervention and the support to ensure that we identify those at risk of lung and heart disease.'
Mr Swinney defended the SNP's record on the NHS, citing a 63% fall in outpatient waits of over 12 months and nine consecutive months of reductions in long waits. He said: 'I think it's demonstrable that the SNP is succeeding in the plans to improve the National Health Service and to deliver for the people of Scotland.'
However, opposition parties criticised the announcement. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton called it a 'broken promise', while Scottish Conservative health spokesman Sandesh Gulhane said the SNP 'cannot be trusted to deliver on their pledges'. Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Dame Jackie Baillie also expressed scepticism, noting the NHS is 'even worse' than five years ago.
